Grace was passionate about education and served as a kindergarten teacher at Eastwood Heights Elementary School for 30 years before retiring. She also was a dedicated member of the Gold Star Wives of America. Grace made sure to live her life to the fullest. She enjoyed traveling, dancing, and baking, and valued time spent with her family most of all. Grace was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother; a dutiful and caring daughter, sister, aunt, and godmother; and a kind and loyal friend.
Grace is survived by her sons, Derek R. Leyva and Devin R. Leyva, and daughter-in-law, Yazmin; her mother, Esther Hernandez; her sister, Gloria Torres; her brother, Ron Hernandez; and her four grandchildren: Devin R. Leyva Jr., Sophia A. Leyva, Amerie L. Leyva, and Meilani M. Leyva.
Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Fernando Leyva Jr.; her father, Jose Isidoro Hernandez; and her brother, Joe Hernandez Jr.
Pallbearers will be her nephews, Stevie Hernandez, Angel Torres, Christopher Hernandez, Jonathan Torres, and Ray Corral; and her godson, Charlie Madrid.
A visitation for Grace will be held Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM (Rosary at 6:00 PM) at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 North Carolina Dr., El Paso, Texas 79915. A funeral mass will occur Friday, October 15, 2021 at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 8600 Winchester St, El Paso, Texas. A graveside service will occur Friday, October 15, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, Texas 79906.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestfuneralhomeeast.com for the Leyva family.
